In fall 2023, USF St. Petersburg Professor Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan traveled to Moldova on a Fulbright Specialist Grant. Alongside Judy Genshaft Honors College student Taylor Herman, she organized a panel discussion between USF and Moldovan students for a Constitution Day event, where she spoke about the impact of her Fulbright experiences. Through such collaborations, Scourfield McLauchlan mentored Herman and inspired her to pursue a Fulbright, a decision that changed the course of Herman鈥檚 college career.
THE FULBRIGHT EXPERIENCE
The Fulbright program offers accomplished professionals, graduate students, and graduating seniors unparalleled opportunities across all academic disciplines. Participants in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.
Scourfield McLauchlan, a recipient of three Fulbright Scholar Awards, is one of the university鈥檚 most accomplished faculty Fulbright recipients. An internationally recognized expert in civics education, she has published numerous articles and book chapters and presented at conferences around the world. With Fulbright funding, Scourfield McLauchlan has traveled to Macedonia once and Moldova twice.
With the help of Scourfield McLauchlan, Herman was awarded a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) to teach English and American culture in Moldova. The ETA places grantees in schools overseas to supplement local English language instruction and provide a native speaker presence in classrooms.
鈥淧ursuing a Fulbright has been a dream of mine during my last three years at USF,鈥� said Herman.
CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS
Scourfield McLauchlan first met Herman while teaching a prerequisite American National Government course during the Judy Genshaft Honors College student鈥檚 first semester at USF.
鈥淚 was so fascinated by that class,鈥� said Herman. 鈥淒r. Scourfield McLauchlan was such an amazing professor, and she really capitalized on doing hands-on work in the community.鈥�
Herman would often stay after class to discuss her interests in international relations with Scourfield McLauchlan. During their conversations, Scourfield McLauchlan began to recount her Fulbright experiences abroad and the positive effects upon communities in Moldova, Macedonia, and USF.
It was in the classroom that Scourfield McLauchlan first planted the idea that Herman should apply for a Fulbright.
Scourfield McLauchlan first invited Herman to join a comparative legal research project with Moldova in her Constitutional Law II course. Although Herman was nervous about enrolling in a junior-level course, Scourfield McLauchlan was confident in Herman鈥檚 ability to thrive. She saw it as an opportunity to empower Herman to learn firsthand.
During the project, Herman witnessed the impact of longstanding relationships Scourfield McLauchlan had forged with faculty members from the Free International University of Moldova. While working on this research, Scourfield McLauchlan also advised Herman on her Honors undergraduate thesis, which focused on the European Court of Human Rights, Moldova鈥檚 interactions with the Council of Europe, and the implications for their country鈥檚 future.
In fall 2022, Scourfield McLauchlan attended a Fulbright Welcome Reception with Herman to discuss their research and connect the Honors student with Fulbright scholars and students from other countries.
鈥淜nowing that I was interested in international relations, Dr. Scourfield McLauchlan used the Fulbright Welcome Reception to introduce me to visiting Fulbright Scholars and student recipients and to be introduced to Fulbright more,鈥� said Herman.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Emboldened by these experiences, Herman soon reached out to the USF Office of National Scholars (ONS) and Student Fulbright Program Advisor, Lauren Chambers, to discuss the Fulbright application process. For the next six months, Herman worked on her Fulbright application and continued to strengthen her connections with scholars in Moldova.
鈥淲hen I submitted my application, it felt like a shot in the dark,鈥� said Herman. 鈥淚 never imagined I would make it to semifinal status or participate in an interview, let alone receive the grant.鈥�
Now that Herman has received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, she is excited to immerse herself in Moldovan culture. Using her Russian and Romanian language skills, Herman will engage further with her host community, including volunteering at a local organization that supports victims of domestic violence and participating musically as a trombonist and jazz enthusiast.
Faculty mentorship plays a crucial role in helping talented students access opportunities essential to their success. Dedicated USF professors like Scourfield McLauchlan guide students toward bright futures.
鈥淚 am truly humbled and owe this opportunity to the guidance I have received from Dr. Scourfield McLauchlan and the USF Office of National Scholars, in addition to the amazing support from mentors in my past internships and roles at USF St. Petersburg,鈥� said Herman.
USF students and alumni interested in applying for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program can learn more by visiting USF's Fulbright U.S. Student Program page or by contacting USF鈥檚 Fulbright Program Advisor, Lauren Chambers.